First Image of David Morrissey as the Governor in AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD

Summer is great and all, but it just delays the arrival of the next season of AMC’s epic zombie series, The Walking Dead (though the network is airing a marathon of the first two seasons this July). A new character will join the show when it returns for its third season this fall, a villainous man known as The Governor. We already brought you the first look of another new character, the katana-wielding Michonne (Danai Gurira). And we also brought you the casting news when BAFTA-nominated British actor David Morrissey (State of Play) won the role of the Governor. Now, we’re pleased to share the first look of Morrissey in Governor get-up with you! For those of you unfamiliar with the character from the Robert Kirkman comic series, the Governor leads a small survivor settlement known as Woodbury; needless to say, he and Rick (Andrew Lincoln) don’t see eye to eye. Hit the jump to get a look at the Governor.

Have a look at Morrissey as the Governor below (via TV Guide). The Governor looks to be a sure feature of The Walking Dead’s upcoming 16-episode season. On introducing the character to the television audience, Kirkman said:

“Seeing The Walking Dead come to life on AMC has been a real thrill for me, obviously, and moving into Season 3 I’m even more excited than ever because now I feel like we’re really getting to ‘the good stuff. Having The Governor in the mix is going to fundamentally change the show in all kinds of awesome and exiting ways. And David Morrissey totally rocks!”

Also, for fans who are worried about the Governor’s viciousness being diluted down for television, Kirkman addresses your fears:

“The Governor in the show is definitely going to be The Governor in the comic. I think that he’s definitely going to be a character that people love to hate and are absolutely entertained by, but also somewhat terrified of. He’s definitely going to be a very important character and a very nuanced character. We are not going to be watering him down.”

Check out the press release from Morrissey’s casting below for more character details:

AMC announced today that David Morrissey has been cast in the role of The Governor in the networks’ critically acclaimed hit series, “The Walking Dead.” The Governor, a character from Robert Kirkman’s graphic novel, is the leader of Woodbury, a small settlement of survivors, and becomes the chief antagonist for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group.

The Governor will appear in “The Walking Dead” season three, a 16-episode order from AMC, which begins production this spring in Atlanta.

A BAFTA Award nominee, Morrissey has appeared in many acclaimed British series including “State of Play,” “Meadowlands,” “The Deal” and “Blackpool.” Along with his celebrated work in television, Morrissey is also known for his leading roles in feature films such as The Reaping, The Other Boleyn Girl, Centurion, The Water Horse, Nowhere Boy and Blitz. He recently wrapped Welcome to the Punch opposite James McAvoy and Mark Strong. Morrissey is represented by The Collective and Troika in the UK.